Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Ally Mendoza, CEO of SUNTEX

By Constance ThompsonSeptember 16, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 4th installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and subjects associated with accelerating an equitable and simply transition to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, our September features highlight how three Hispanic-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
What inspired you to start SUNTEX?
As a natural-born leader, I always set high expectations for myself and always search for opportunities to serve others– be it by supplying remarkable consumer service, language translations, or simply sharing understanding with others. My personal goals and desire to help others led me to work in the renewable resource sector, where I can pursue this dream on a larger scale.
Tell us about SUNTEX?
Our companys objective is simple: we want to make solar simple and economical every action of the method. We largely serve the Hispanic neighborhood in Texas. That is what we do best– help Spanish speakers comprehend and adopt renewable resource as a lifestyle, helping generations to come.
Please show us more about your journey toward establishing SUNTEX. Was there an “aha minute” when you chose to focus on solar?
Back in August of 2018, my business partner and I had the chance to join a really promising little solar setup company in Houston. Through this work we saw the chance readily available to bring solar into our (the Hispanic) neighborhood. As an outcome, my partner and I integrated his experience in offering to the Hispanic market with my customer care expertise to produce SUNTEX where “the consumer is the factor we exist as a company”. Our focus is connecting the Hispanic neighborhood and our customers with excellent customer care.
Why is focusing on the Hispanic neighborhood a priority for SUNTEX?
Primary: it remains in our blood. My service partner and I are native Spanish speakers, and we can determine well with our individuals and their worldview. Second: in the past, we have actually personally experienced an absence of care and communication from those that can not relate to our culture. We understood that solar advantages everybody, regardless of race or background, and that our people would require a lot of assistance to comprehend how to acquire this advantage for their houses.
What challenges do you face? Why?
Being a little business with a high level of service expectations for our customers comes with its own set of difficulties. In addition, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the basics of these tasks are not widely taught in school.
How are you making an effect through SUNTEX?
By simply measuring up to our honest values. I have actually found out throughout my life that in organization, there is no other method to do it ideal but to be honest. While others may take shortcuts, the truth constantly dominates.
Please show us a current company success story.
Throughout our initial visit, I noted that they might only attain about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their houses usage rates and shading from trees on the residential or commercial property. We went over a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to the home to decrease energy consumption, which could provide a higher energy balanced out. Angela initially flinched at the idea of investing more cash into the home, but ultimately she called me back and said she desired to move forward with the solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
Throughout the setup, we wound up spending for Angela and her elderly mom to stay in a hotel up until their upgrades and inspections were total to guarantee they were comfortable throughout the procedure.
Now, Angelas planetary system covers 100% of the electricity used in her house. Thanks to the AC upgrade, they have actually reduced their energy intake significantly, and she has a flat, predictable solar payment every month that is less than she was paying prior to setting up solar. This is what we indicate by “client service.”
From a nationwide perspective, how can we enhance access to eco-friendly enery?
From my experience, there is a huge space in access. Most of the homeowners that we visit are fortunate to own a home, yet numerous of them have not received solar due to several combined or isolated aspects such as subprime credit report, lower annual home earnings, self-employment, or a lack of understanding of available loan programs. These neighborhoods require more assistance and education on the significance of installing a planetary system that can save them cash. We need to provide more people with chances to adopt sustainable energy with less inconveniences.
How has your Accelerate membership assisted your business?
By empowering us to believe that there is someone there to support our development in this industry, and providing us the chance to meet others in the exact same boat. Now I know that there is expect minority small businesses in the renewable resource industry.
How can possible partners work with you?
It is important that we share the very same values and objective to help others, even if it means getting out of our comfort zones. It might cost a little bit more for us to do company, however its worth it in the end for our clients. We d love to meet to discuss possible collaboration opportunities if youre ready to begin there.
Exists anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We are really grateful for the Accelerate subscription program and for all of the opportunities you have actually provided. I know this is only the start, and we have a long road ahead of us; nevertheless, I look forward to becoming a sponsor to assist lead the way for other Accelerate members in the future– with a special thanks to all of my consumers and collaborators at SUNTEX, since they are the fuel that drives the mission!
For more information about SUNTEX, see https://suntexllc.com/.
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Furthermore, even though solar energy has been around for a while, the essentials of these tasks are not extensively taught in school. Throughout our initial consultation, I noted that they might just achieve about 56% of solar energy balanced out due to their homes consumption rates and shading from trees on the property. We talked about a couple of extra energy performance upgrades to the house to reduce energy usage, which might supply a higher energy offset. Angela initially cringed at the thought of investing more money into the home, however ultimately she called me back and said she wanted to move forward with the solar and energy performance upgrades. Thanks to the A/c upgrade, they have minimized their energy intake considerably, and she has a flat, foreseeable solar payment each month that is less than she was paying before setting up solar.